June 19

William 'Billy' Midwinter was born in 1851 in Cheltenham, England, and emigrated to Australia in his youth. A left-arm fast-medium bowler and hard-hitting batsman, he played in the first-ever Test match in 1877. Midwinter's unique career saw him switch allegiances, representing both England and Australia in Test cricket. He starred in domestic competitions, setting early standards for bowling technique and competitive spirit. Midwinter's achievements helped cement the foundations of Test cricket and the Ashes rivalry. He retired from the game but remained a respected figure in cricket until his death in 1890.

Alajos Szokolyi (1871-1932) was one of Hungary’s first Olympic athletes, representing his country in the 1896 Athens Games. He competed in hurdling and jumping events, showcasing versatility and athleticism on the international stage. After his sporting career, Szokolyi studied medicine and served as a physician, combining his scientific training with community care. He was instrumental in promoting physical education and sports clubs in Hungary. Szokolyi’s dual legacy as both an athlete and a medical professional made him a respected figure in Hungarian society. His pioneering spirit helped lay the groundwork for future generations of Olympic competitors from his country.

Born into the wealthy Mills family in 1883, Gladys Mills Phipps took an early interest in thoroughbred racing. In 1926, she and her brother Ogden Mills established Wheatley Stable, which became one of America's leading racing operations. Under her guidance, Wheatley Stable bred and raced champions such as Bold Venture and Devil Diver. Phipps's success on the track helped elevate the popularity of American horse racing during the early 20th century. She was admired for her keen eye for breeding prospects and her commitment to the sport's integrity. Phipps passed away in 1970, leaving a legacy honored in the racing industry's Hall of Fame.

Henry Louis 'Lou' Gehrig was born in 1903 in New York and became a first baseman for the New York Yankees. He earned the nickname 'The Iron Horse' by playing in 2,130 consecutive games, a record that stood for decades. Gehrig won two American League MVP awards and helped lead the Yankees to six pennants and two World Series titles. His career batting average of .340 and 493 home runs made him one of the greatest hitters in baseball history. In 1939 he delivered his famous 'Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth' speech after being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). His diagnosis brought national attention to the disease now commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Gehrig died in 1941 at age 37, and he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame that year.

Walter Reginald Hammond was born in 1903 in Kent, England, and made his Test debut for England in 1927. He was celebrated for his powerful and technically flawless batting, averaging over 50 in Test cricket. Hammond captained England from 1938 to 1939, leading the team during a critical pre-war era. He scored a record 905 runs during the 1928-29 Ashes series in Australia. After retiring from international cricket, he served as a coach and manager, nurturing young talent. Hammond also played county cricket for Gloucestershire, topping the batting charts multiple times. He passed away in 1965, leaving a lasting impact on English cricket.

Knut Kroon was born in 1906 in Gothenburg and played club football for GAIS, one of Sweden’s leading teams. He earned 28 caps for the Sweden national team, scoring nine goals from 1925 to 1932. Kroon helped Sweden win the bronze medal at the 1924 Paris Olympics and reach the quarterfinals in 1928. Known for his speed and finishing ability, he was a key figure in Swedish football’s early international successes. After retiring as a player, he remained active in football administration and youth coaching. His contributions helped lay the foundations for Sweden’s future achievements in the sport. Kroon died in 1975, remembered as one of his nation’s pioneering football stars.

Born in 1909 in Riga, Rūdolfs Jurciņš emerged as a key member of the Latvian national basketball team in the 1930s. He played a pivotal role in winning the inaugural EuroBasket Championship in 1935. Jurciņš then represented Latvia at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, showcasing his skills on the world stage. His athletic career was disrupted by World War II and the Soviet occupation. In 1948, he died under tragic circumstances related to wartime deportations, but he is remembered as a pioneer of Latvian basketball.

Sydney Allard was born in Devon in 1910 and developed a passion for motorsports at an early age. In 1936 he founded the Allard Motor Company, producing high-performance sports cars that blended American V8 engines with British chassis. Allard himself competed in hill climbs and circuit races, securing notable successes and shaping automotive design trends. His company’s cars found popularity in both Europe and North America after World War II. Allard’s entrepreneurial spirit and racing achievements left a lasting impact on the sports car industry before his death in 1966.

Born in Hutchinson, Kansas in 1912, Don Gutteridge debuted with the St. Louis Browns at age 19 and played for the Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Sox. Known for his versatility in the infield, he compiled over 1,000 career hits. After retiring as a player in 1948, Gutteridge managed the White Sox and later served as a coach and minor league manager. He remained involved in professional baseball for over six decades, mentoring young players. Gutteridge passed away in 2008 at the age of 95, remembered for his dedication to the sport.

Born in Seattle, Washington in 1913, Helene Madison emerged as one of the world’s leading freestyle swimmers in the early 1930s. At the 1932 Olympics, she captured gold in the 100m, 400m, and 4×100m freestyle events, setting world records in each. Madison dominated national championships, breaking more than 20 world records during her career. She retired from competition at a young age and later coached swimming and promoted water safety. Inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame, she is remembered for her speed and pioneering achievements in women’s sports.

Born in 1923 in Perth, Western Australia, Bob Hank emerged as one of the SANFL's most decorated players. He spent his entire career at West Torrens, winning two Magarey Medals and multiple best-and-fairest awards. Known for his speed, skill, and fair play, he set club records for goals and games played. After retiring in 1957, Hank transitioned to coaching, leading West Torrens to consistent finals appearances. He mentored young talent and was celebrated for his commitment to the sport. In 2002, he was inducted into the South Australian Football Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy.

Born in 1938, Wahoo McDaniel was of Choctaw and Irish descent and grew up in Oklahoma. He played linebacker in the AFL with the Houston Oilers and Denver Broncos, earning All-Star honors. After retiring from football, he transitioned to professional wrestling and adopted the ring name “Wahoo” McDaniel. He became a fan favorite in the National Wrestling Alliance with his intense style and iconic face paint. McDaniel held multiple regional championships and competed in famous tag teams throughout the 1970s. He passed away in 2002 but remains a respected figure in both football and wrestling history.